The decision was announced by Chairman FAT, Ms. Nualphan Lamsam (Madam Pang) on October 22, along with sharing about the reasons and orientations for the new period of Thai football.
According to Ms. Pang, the appointment of Mr. Hudson - currently the Director of FAT Technical Development - is the most appropriate solution in the context of urgent time. The British strategist has led the US, New Zealand and Bahrain teams, and is knowledgeable about Thailand's training system.
Team football is not a laboratory. Each match only has 90 minutes to show and the result determines the fans' confidence," said Ms. Pang.
The head FAT affirmed that the decision to change the coach was based on data analysis and professional criteria, without personal influence. FAT terminated the contract with coach Masatada Ishii in accordance with regulations, paying the remaining 50% of the contract value.
Madam Pang emphasized that the goal of Thai football is to bring the men's team back to the 3rd qualifying round of the World Cup and towards the 2027 Asian Cup.
I hope fans continue to trust and accompany the team. Any development path is difficult, but we are committed to going all the way for Thai football, she said.
Mr. Hudson is expected to soon announce the first call-up list, aiming for international friendly matches before entering the campaign to prepare for the World Cup qualifiers in Asia.
